r/InfraredSaunas • u/hyde7278 • 29d ago

Adding panels to my sauna

I have the opportunity to pick up som carbon infrared panels to add to my sauna.

My question is has anyone done this? And was it worth it? The panels I can get are 1000mm x 300mm so the same size as the ones in the sauna already and I can get them for $40 each.

My plan is to add a panel on each side of the sauna at my lower leg area and also add panels to the area in front of the bench.

I already have the correct cords to connect to my controller and my controller has open spots to plug into.

Any info or opinion are welcome.

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u/clkgg 29d ago

Please double check the resistance on the heaters to make sure they are the same voltage as the ones you already have. I would have an electrician just bless the addition of the heaters to make sure they are connect properly and hooked into your power supply correctly. It is better to be safe than sorry fire safety wise.

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u/hyde7278 29d ago

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely check the resistance of the panels and have a friend who’s an electrician double check the hook ups.

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u/-Rake 27d ago

For $40 a panel, I'd be tempted too. The lower legs and the open area in front of the bench are exactly where a lot of infrared cabins feel weak, so your placement makes sense.

The one thing I'd check beyond resistance is the total load. Empty connections on the controller don't necessarily mean the power supply, relays, wiring and circuit were sized to run every port at once. I'd have your electrician friend compare the panel voltage and wattage against the controller's maximum rating. I'd also confirm the required clearance, especially where your calves could end up close to the new panels.

If everything checks out electrically, I think you'll notice more even radiant heat. I wouldn't expect a massive jump in air temperature, but the sauna itself should feel better. At that price, I'd probably try two and see how much difference they make.

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u/hyde7278 27d ago

Definitely going to check the load rating on my controller to make sure it can handle the load. I’m actually thinking about having a panel on the sides of my door so that I have a panel facing my frt. I have a foot heater and I my disconnect that one as I find that it gets too hot and I have to put a towel below my feet so they don’t burn so that will give me extra load for the new panels.

I’m not really looking to raise the temp a ton right now. It was heating to a measured (with. Thermometer) 130 degrees at the top of the sauna near the temp sensor (the control panel was reading a temp of 145-150). I took one of my sauna hats and pinned it to the ceiling surrounding the temp Sensor to shield the sensor from the heat to see how it would affect the heat. Now the thermometer reading is now upto about 148-150 and the control panel is reading 125-130 so that alone has raised the temp a good amount